Forum Discussion
Thermoguy
Jan 05, 2017Explorer II
I'm not sure what I started but I seem to be quoted a lot on this thread...
Regarding the placement of the DEF tank. Agreed, it's not the best place, there is a lot of discussion even on GM forums about the possibility of it getting damaged, but if you read these threads, only a couple of people actually have damaged the DEF tank and usually the damage to the rest of the vehicle is greater than the DEF tank. So, when you have a perceived risk or issue, then the aftermarket companies come out with a solution even if it is not needed. Therefore you have companies like the one noted that say they developed the solution due to a reason. But if you read posts from people who actually use their trucks in the oil fields in AK or Canada, they have never had an issue. I read a couple posts where something went through the tank, but that can happen on a fuel tank just as easy, so not sure if that means anything. I think it would be really hard to damage the tank, maybe the outer casing, but not the tank unless you are really hard on your truck. If you are really into off road use, then you probably put larger tires on and a lift kit and now you really would have a hard time damaging it.
Regarding DEF usage. I do haul a lot with my truck. This past summer I hauled our horse trailer over 1000 miles then a couple weeks later took the 5th wheel to Yellowstone. According to GM you should get about 5000 miles out of the 5.3 gallon tank. I have had the low DEF warring light come on during 1 trip but was planning to go in for service soon after the trip so I just drove on. No issues. So, I just bring a couple jugs of DEF with me when I do an oil change and they top it off. I usually have some left over as it doesn't take the entire 5 gallons. I guess I am lucky that way? But, since we have 3 vehicles our truck is mainly used to haul a trailer or large loads. Both of our trailers are large and somewhat heavy. It looks like the new GM has a 7.5 gallon DEF tank which is why it might be a little easier to see especially if there are no running boards on the truck.
Now for all of you that are going to say - see he gets his oil changed at the dealer... It's free. The Chev dealer in my area offers free oil changes for life. That' a great perk on a Diesel.
Regarding the placement of the DEF tank. Agreed, it's not the best place, there is a lot of discussion even on GM forums about the possibility of it getting damaged, but if you read these threads, only a couple of people actually have damaged the DEF tank and usually the damage to the rest of the vehicle is greater than the DEF tank. So, when you have a perceived risk or issue, then the aftermarket companies come out with a solution even if it is not needed. Therefore you have companies like the one noted that say they developed the solution due to a reason. But if you read posts from people who actually use their trucks in the oil fields in AK or Canada, they have never had an issue. I read a couple posts where something went through the tank, but that can happen on a fuel tank just as easy, so not sure if that means anything. I think it would be really hard to damage the tank, maybe the outer casing, but not the tank unless you are really hard on your truck. If you are really into off road use, then you probably put larger tires on and a lift kit and now you really would have a hard time damaging it.
Regarding DEF usage. I do haul a lot with my truck. This past summer I hauled our horse trailer over 1000 miles then a couple weeks later took the 5th wheel to Yellowstone. According to GM you should get about 5000 miles out of the 5.3 gallon tank. I have had the low DEF warring light come on during 1 trip but was planning to go in for service soon after the trip so I just drove on. No issues. So, I just bring a couple jugs of DEF with me when I do an oil change and they top it off. I usually have some left over as it doesn't take the entire 5 gallons. I guess I am lucky that way? But, since we have 3 vehicles our truck is mainly used to haul a trailer or large loads. Both of our trailers are large and somewhat heavy. It looks like the new GM has a 7.5 gallon DEF tank which is why it might be a little easier to see especially if there are no running boards on the truck.
Now for all of you that are going to say - see he gets his oil changed at the dealer... It's free. The Chev dealer in my area offers free oil changes for life. That' a great perk on a Diesel.
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